Preview: Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City

With this weekend's Sky Bet Championship game against Stoke City on the horizon, bwfc.co.uk have picked out five key points to take into this wi

1. Squad Update

During Friday’s press conference, first team coach Julian Darby gave the following details on his squad for the upcoming Stoke City clash in the Sky Bet Championship.

Darby said: “We have one or two doubts, Gary O’Neil is one as he picked up a slight groin injury so we will see how he is tomorrow.”

“Jack Hobbs has a niggle so he, like Gary, will be assessed tomorrow.

“Other than that, we should have a full squad to choose from.”

2. Gary Rowett

After the end of the 2017/18 season, Rowett was appointed manager of Stoke City after leaving Derby County.

After a playing career spanning 16 years, Rowett had a brief stint in the media before joining Burton Albion’s coaching staff in 2009, before taking over the managerial reigns permanently in May 2012.

He led the Brewers to fourth in League Two in his first season, along with reaching a play-off semi-final.

Following on from his time in Burton, Rowett has had spells with Birmingham City and Derby County, before arriving at the Potters for the start of this season.

During this campaign, Stoke currently sit 11th in the Sky Bet Championship, with 34 points on the board.

3. New faces in Stoke on Trent

After his appointment, new boss Rowett took to the transfer market and brought in some new blood to the bet365 Stadium.

Midfielders Tom Ince and James McClean were brought in on permanent deals from Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion respectively, along with former Wanderers man Benik Afobe who signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Afobe spent time with the Whites in the 2012/13 season, scoring three times in 28 appearances for the club.

Currenty, the Dr Congo international is the top goal scorer for the Potters, with six goals in all competitions.

Looking to the loan market and Everton defensive duo of Ashley Williams and Cuco Martina have been brought in until the end of the season.

4. Game to Remember

We take you back to August 1993, when Wanderers welcomed the Potters to Burnden Park.

New signing Owen Coyle opened the scoring for Bruce Rioch’s men, before Mark Stein earned a point for the Potters.

Why not sample some of our award-winning hospitality for this Sky Bet Championship fixture?

From just £55 per person (inc VAT) you can view the game from our stunning Lion Of Vienna Suite. The package includes a one-course meal, match day programme and a cushioned seat on the halfway line of the Nat Lofthouse Stand Upper Tier.

For further details on any of our hospitality packages and sponsorship and advertising opportunities please contact our Sales Team on 01204 673761 or email sales@bwfc.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday.